WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge released the following statement today outlining her opposition to granting the Obama Administration “fast track” authority in negotiating terms of a new Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Under fast track authority, Congress would have no ability to provide input into the final agreement, limiting them to an up or down vote without offering amendments.

“Recently and during the past two years, constituents have contacted me with concerns about various provisions of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement. I agree with many of them about the lack of transparency in negotiations to date, leaving the American people in the dark about the contents of the proposed trade deal,” said Congresswoman Fudge.

“Jobs in Northeast Ohio and throughout the nation are at stake and may be negatively impacted for years to come. Without being consulted, Congress has no meaningful role in either shaping the agreement or exercising its constitutional authority to set the terms of trade policy. In November 2013, I signed a letter to President Obama urging him to restore a more robust role to Congress in formulating the TPP trade agreement. I stand by that letter.”